International health summit in the Philippines to champion region's medical tourism efforts

The International Summit on Medical Travel, Wellness and Retirement, from October 12 to 15 this year, will bring together health, hospitality and travel industry leaders from India, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore, among others.

According to the Philippine Department of Tourism (DoT), the number of overseas medical tourists to the country had increased from 60,000 in 2007 to about 100,000 in 2008, bringing in revenues estimated at US$350 million. The Philippines is targeting 200,000 patients and US$3 billion in revenue from medical tourism by 2015.

“Without question, medical travel has significantly transformed the face of global healthcare. The pool of patients around the world seeking medical treatment abroad has grown, with increasing cost efficiency and adoption of advanced medical technology overseas,” said Cynthia Carrion, head of the DoT Office for Sports and Wellness.

(Sources: Singapore)